Campaign Story Overview (Orc)

Campaign Story Overview (Orc)

The Orcish Horde's campaign in Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness chronicles their relentless push to conquer the human lands of Azeroth and beyond. Under the leadership of the mighty Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer, the Horde seeks to establish dominance and secure their place in this new world. This overview provides a detailed breakdown of key missions, strategies, and objectives to guide you through the Orcish conquest.

Act I: Seas of Blood

The initial phase of the Orcish campaign focuses on establishing a foothold and projecting power across the seas. Expect to encounter early human resistance and learn the fundamentals of naval warfare.

• I. Zul'Dare (ZLDE): Your first objective is to secure the island of Zul'Dare.
  • Strategy: Focus on quickly establishing a Gold Mine and Lumber Mill. Train a small force of Grunts and Axethrowers to clear out the scattered Human Footmen and Archers. Utilize your starting Transport Ship to ferry additional units or resources if needed.
  • Key Units: Grunts, Axethrowers, Peons.
• II. Raid at Hillsbrad (RDHD): This mission introduces naval combat and the importance of resource denial.
  • Strategy: Build a Shipyard and construct a few Destroyers. Patrol the coastline to intercept Human Transports and Fishing Boats. Simultaneously, send ground forces (Grants, Axethrowers) to raid the Human Lumber Mill and Gold Mine located on the mainland, disrupting their economy.
  • Key Units: Destroyers, Grunts, Axethrowers.
• III. Southshore (STSR): A more direct assault on a Human coastal town.
  • Strategy: Develop a combined arms approach. Use Catapults to break down Human Watchtowers and Barracks from a distance. Support them with a strong contingent of Grunts and Ogres to engage Human Footmen and Knights. Remember to protect your Catapults!
  • Key Units: Catapults, Grunts, Ogres.

Act II: The Dark Portal's Shadow

As the campaign progresses, the Orcs delve deeper into Human territory, encountering stronger resistance and more complex tactical challenges. The focus shifts to securing strategic locations and expanding the Horde's influence.

• IV. Assault on Hillsbrad (AT): This mission requires a sustained push against a fortified Human stronghold.
  • Strategy: Establish a strong economic base early. Upgrade your Barracks to train Ogres and your Stronghold to research upgrades like "Ogre Strength." Use a large force of Grunts and Ogres, supported by Catapults, to systematically dismantle the Human defenses. Be prepared for counterattacks from Human Knights and Mages.
  • Key Units: Ogres, Grunts, Catapults, Death Knights (once available).
• V. The Battle for Stromgarde (STGD): A pivotal battle for a major Human city.
  • Strategy: This mission often involves multiple entry points. Consider a two-pronged attack: one force to draw attention and another to flank. Utilize Death Knights for their "Death Coil" spell to quickly eliminate high-priority Human units like Paladins and Mages. Remember to build a Temple of the Damned to access Death Knights.
  • Key Units: Death Knights, Ogres, Catapults, Trolls.

Act III: The Shadow of the Blackrock

The final act of the Orcish campaign sees the Horde consolidating its gains and preparing for the ultimate confrontation. Expect to face the full might of the Alliance and utilize all available Orcish forces.

• VI. The Fall of Lordaeron (LDRN): The capital of the Human Alliance is your primary target.
  • Strategy: This is a long and challenging mission. You'll need a fully upgraded base and a diverse army. Prioritize building a Dragon Roost and training Dragons to deal with Human Airships and to attack vulnerable structures. Use Bloodlust on your Ogres and Grunts to maximize their damage output.
  • Key Units: Dragons, Ogres (Bloodlusted), Death Knights, Catapults.
• VII. The Final Stand (FNST): The ultimate confrontation against the remaining Alliance forces.
  • Strategy: Expect a massive, multi-front assault. Focus on defending your base while simultaneously building up an overwhelming attack force. Use a combination of ground units, air units, and siege weapons. research all available upgrades at your Blacksmith and Ogre Mound.
  • Key Units: All available Orcish units, especially Dragons, Bloodlusted Ogres, and Death Knights.